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2:50 pm

Mon March 5, 2012

UNITED WAY MAKES $100,000 AVAILABLE FOR TORNADO RELIEF AND RECOVERY

United Way of Greater Cincinnati has made a first grant of $100,000 available for relief andrecovery efforts related to last Friday’s destructive tornadoes. “The events of the weekend and the devastating effects of the tornadoes have been humbling,” said United Way president Rob Reifsnyder. “In just a few moments thousands of lives have been changed forever. Let me speak for everyone at United Way and say that our thoughts and prayers go out to every family and business touched by this random force of nature.” Reifsnyder said, “Specific grants from the funds will be made as soon as short- and long-term relief and recovery needs are identified. United Way will work with others to bring additional resources to the table as needs related to rebuilding are assessed. "He said, “United Way 211 has been handling calls since Friday afternoon and connecting people and agencies with ways to get help and to volunteer. This 24-hour service is available to anyone dialing 2-1-1.

”The region’s first responder, the American Red Cross, has been on the ground helping people with food, shelter and counseling since the tornadoes hit. The American Red Cross and United Way are fundraising partners in the annual United Way campaign. "When any disaster hits, there's an immediate need to help and the Red Cross is able to meet those needs in part because of $5.2 million in United Way funding," Reifsnyder said. Communities in United Way’s service region most directly affected by the tornadoes are Moscow and Bethel in Clermont County, Piner in Kenton County and Crittenden in Grant County.